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Acupuncture Points for Neck Pain
Explore the key acupuncture points our practitioners target in neck pain treatment protocols. Click each point to learn how it works.
Posterior View — Tap a Point
GB20
GB21
GV14
BL10
LI4
SI3
01
GB20 — Fengchi
“Wind Pool”
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Location
At the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large neck muscles (sternocleidomastoid and trapezius).
What It Treats
Headaches, migraines, neck stiffness, dizziness, eye strain, common cold symptoms, and hypertension.
Why it matters for neck pain: GB20 is one of the most frequently used points for neck-related conditions. It releases tension at the occipital junction where the skull meets the spine — the area where stress and poor posture create the deepest knots. Stimulating this point improves blood flow to the head and neck, providing fast relief from stiffness.
02
GB21 — Jianjing
“Shoulder Well”
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Location
At the highest point of the shoulder muscle (trapezius), midway between the neck and the tip of the shoulder.
What It Treats
Shoulder tension, neck pain, upper back stiffness, stress-related muscle tightness, and pain radiating from neck to shoulder.
Why it matters for neck pain: The trapezius muscle is the primary source of referred neck pain for desk workers and people who carry tension in their shoulders. GB21 releases deep-seated trapezius knots and restores proper Qi flow between the neck and shoulders. Patients often feel an immediate loosening sensation when this point is needled.
03
GV14 — Dazhui
“Great Vertebra”
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Location
On the midline of the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) — the prominent bone at the base of the neck.
What It Treats
Neck and upper back pain, fever, immune support, fatigue, and cervical spondylosis.
Why it matters for neck pain: GV14 sits at the intersection where all six Yang meridians converge with the Governing Vessel. This makes it a powerful reset point for the entire cervical region. It clears heat and inflammation, boosts local blood circulation, and is especially effective when neck pain is accompanied by stiffness that limits head movement.
04
BL10 — Tianzhu
“Celestial Pillar”
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Location
On the back of the neck, about 1.3 cun (finger widths) lateral to the midline, within the thick muscle band at the hairline (trapezius origin).
What It Treats
Deep neck pain, occipital headaches, throat issues, nasal congestion, and cervical vertebra problems.
Why it matters for neck pain: BL10 targets the deep posterior neck muscles that are often the hardest to reach with massage or stretching. It is particularly effective for pain that feels deep within the neck rather than on the surface. This point is paired with GB20 in most neck pain protocols to address both superficial and deep layers of muscle tension.
05
LI4 — Hegu
“Joining Valley”
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Location
On the back of the hand, in the muscle between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.
What It Treats
Pain anywhere in the body (especially head, face, and neck), headaches, toothaches, sinus issues, stress, and immune function.
Why it matters for neck pain: Known as the “master point for pain,” LI4 is the single most important distal point for treating neck and head pain. The Large Intestine meridian runs directly through the neck and shoulder. Needling LI4 sends a strong analgesic signal along this pathway, reducing pain perception and promoting endorphin release. It is used in virtually every neck pain treatment session.
06
SI3 — Houxi
“Back Stream”
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Location
On the edge of the hand (ulnar side), in the depression just behind the knuckle of the little finger, at the junction of red and white skin.
What It Treats
Neck and spine stiffness, upper back pain, occipital headaches, arm numbness, and torticollis (wry neck).
Why it matters for neck pain: SI3 is the opening point of the Governing Vessel (Du Mai), which runs along the entire spine. This gives it direct access to the cervical vertebrae. It is the go-to point for spinal-related neck pain, especially when turning the head is painful. Combined with BL62 on the ankle, it forms a powerful pair that treats the entire posterior chain from skull to tailbone.
These are the core points in our neck pain protocol. During your session, your practitioner selects additional points based on your individual diagnosis — including your pulse reading, tongue analysis, and the specific pattern of your pain. No two treatment plans are exactly alike.
Book Your SessionThis guide is for educational purposes only. Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed practitioner. Do not attempt self-needling.
